Investigating the speed of travelling waves in water.

Aim

The objective of this experiment is to investigate how the speed of travelling waves in water varies with the depth of water, and to verify whether the results supports the formula v2 = gd.

Background knowledge

Mechanical Waves are waves, which propagate through a material medium (solid, liquid, or gas) at a wave speed, which depends on the elastic and inertial properties of that medium. There are two basic types of wave motion for mechanical waves: longitudinal waves and transverse waves.

In a longitudinal wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. The particles simply oscillate back and forth about their individual equilibrium positions.

In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The particles do not move along with the wave; they simply oscillate up and down about their individual equilibrium positions as the wave passes by.

Water waves are an example of waves that involve a combination of both longitudinal and transverse motions. As a wave travels through the waver, the particles travel in clockwise circles. The radius of the circles decreases as the depth into the water increases.

If the radius of the circles decreases, this means that the wavelength of the wave increases. If the wavelength increases, the speed of the wave therefore increases. This can be seen from the formula; - v = f * λ

Where v = speed, f = frequency, and λ = wavelength. The speed of the wave is directly proportional to the wavelength.

For that reason, I predict that the speed of the wave increases, as the depth increases. The relationship between these is given by the theory, which suggests that the speed of a waves on water is given by; - v2

rd or 4th reflection, (so as to get the general course and sequence of the travelling wave) before timing. To ensure that the number of reflections that the waves undertake do not affect the speed, I could do a further investigation, to find out if speed varies with the number of reflections. I could time the wave after one reflection, then 2, then 3 and so on, up to 10 reflections.

The waves travelled very fast at depths of 3.5cm and 4.0cm, which made it quite difficult for me to time. In order to solve this problem, this experiment could be repeated, but the distance from which the waves are timed could be increased, to about 50cm. (This would mean that the container would have to be much bigger, since the length of the tray would be too short). This would enable me to visually see the travelling waves much better, and so it would be easier for me to time the wave. This would greatly increase the accuracy of the time results.

As well as this, I could also increase the depth of the water investigated up to 20 cm. This would give me a bigger range of results, making the results more reliable.

A mechanism can be used to lift and lower the tray. This would ensure that the tray is always lifted at exactly the same height and speed all the time. This would therefore make the experiment more precise.

In order to extend this investigation further, I would investigate whether the height at which the tray is lifted, affects the speed of the wave pulse created. This would help me to know how important and effective it was for me to lift the tray to the same height at all times and subsequently to know the amount of error that lay with this factor.

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There were no strange results (anomalies) within my results table and I think that this was because of the extreme caution and care that I put into making sure that the experiment was set up correctly with careful measuring of water and time.

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It will also allow me to find an average for my results. Conclusion As I predicted, the greater the depth of water, the faster the waves travel. This is can be seen clearly in my results as the depths of 2cm, 3cm and 4cm which recorded times of 3.45s, 2.95s and 2.67s respectively.

When doing the actual experiment I will aim for accurate and reliable results and evidence. This will be done by following my method as close as possible, which, as I have said, is proven with scientific knowledge, and so should be reliable.

Record all results and then average To make sure this is a fair test I must consider all the possible variables in this experiment which can affect the speed of the wave in my experiment and control them. One main variable in the depth of the water which is what

A wave can pass through a series of vibrating objects. i. refer to page 361 for the diagram and description for this section IX. The motion of particles in a medium is like the motion of masses on springs. i.

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And finally, it is important to say that sideways displacement depends on (i) - ( r). To show it on an example, I will use the results from my preliminary work: angle of incidence ( i ) refracted angle ( r )